Saturday, November 14, 2015

Peter Robbins, a child actor who provided the voice of Charlie Brown for several episodes in the 1960s, pleaded guilty last week to criminal charges in San Diego County.

Mr. Robbins, 59, was accused of making criminal threats against the San Diego County sheriff from his jail cell. Mr. Robbins was already in jail since February 2015 for violating the terms of his probation after being convicted for threatening an ex-girlfriend and stalking another individual.

Prosecutors contended that Mr. Robbins wrote numerous letters that solicited assistance in killing the San Diego County Sheriff, William Gore, including one alleged offer of $50,000 for the act.
Mr. Robbins has also expressed contempt for the judges overseeing his case, including Judge Robert O’Neill.

Mr. Robbins asserted that he is mentally ill and attributes his actions to his bipolar disorder. “I’m mentally ill….I’ve committed no crime,” Mr. Robbins said.

A sentencing hearing is currently scheduled for December 7. Mr. Robbins is expected to be sentenced to four years and eight months in prison.

Issues related to mental illness do not arise infrequently in the criminal law. It is important to have a criminal defense attorney who understands how mental health issues impact not only a case, but a client’s life.

Ronald G. Brower is an experienced criminal defense lawyer who practices in Southern California. Based out of Orange County, Attorney Brower has represented people charged with a range of crimes.